Can anyone help as to whether I should assist in hatching?

[Rosy Starling]

Don't give up yet. This situation isn't ideal, but there's still a chance here. The chicks often rest while they absorb the yolk - so let it be. I know it's anxiety inducing, but hang in there.

Yes definitely good advice. x

 

[The Happster]

Really, really hoping it makes it.
Kinda hard having this situation for a first hatch.
Maybe if your hatched Silkie is a girl she will in future mother some chicks?
It's much less stressful using a broody. And so sweet watching them together. Just let my mother and chick out for a run.

 

[Mvan42]

Yes I have pierced membrane but not pulled it back or anything, should I try and find a beak? Nothing is obvious at all through the membrane, I can just make out membrane and blood vessels only. It looks like I might break veins if I try to look for a beak but should I try? Worried about keeping on taking it out of the incubator too. It doesn't look anywhere near ready.

No let it alone for a few hours... wait until the veins look empty(flat, pinkish or white not that red)

 

[Mother of Chicks]

No let it alone for a few hours... wait until the veins look empty(flat, pinkish or white not that red)

This. Just wait. The chick isn't finished absorbing or ready. They won't suffocate as you have a hole. Just wait. It's super hard - but you can do this. We're all here for you if you need us to talk you through. Update us if anything changes (preferably with pictures) and try not to remove from inc - observe from outside.

 

[Rosy Starling]

Ok, so I gently eased back the membrane where there were no vessels and the chick looks like it must have been malpositioned and may have tried to internally pip as blood clot or I nicked it when initially putting hole in membrane altho no blood noticed when I did. No movement at all but have left it in incubator for now :'( Again thank you everyone. I have advertised on internet for any day old chicks to keep this little fluffer company. Hopefully my next lot due 4th July USA bearded Silkies with poss Sizzle will be a little less problematic but I collected these and their air cells are immaculate.

 

[Mvan42]

Ok, so I gently eased back the membrane where there were no vessels and the chick looks like it must have been malpositioned and may have tried to internally pip as blood clot or I nicked it when initially putting hole in membrane altho no blood noticed when I did. No movement at all but have left it in incubator for now :'( Again thank you everyone. I have advertised on internet for any day old chicks to keep this little fluffer company. Hopefully my next lot due 4th July USA bearded Silkies with poss Sizzle will be a little less problematic but I collected these and their air cells are immaculate.

Still wait a bit, but if it is malpositioned it may have died, if veins are not absorbed within a few hours then you will know for sure...

 

[Rosy Starling]

Sad news I am afraid. Sometimes you have just got to trust your judgement and I knew that things did not look right under the membrane rather than a chick that hadn't yet finished developing. I left her for a while but knew that she was no longer with us. I did an eggtopsy and found congealed blood clot and her head & bill was facing downwards against her tummy with her feet curled up in the air. On closer examination I found her bill was crossbilled. I am glad I checked else I would have blamed myself. Now looking for a day old chick to keep 'Tumble Floof' company. Again, I want to thank everyone for your support and advice. Much appreciated when times don't go quite to plan.

 

[CuddleNest]

Sad news I am afraid. Sometimes you have just got to trust your judgement and I knew that things did not look right under the membrane rather than a chick that hadn't yet finished developing. I left her for a while but knew that she was no longer with us. I did an eggtopsy and found congealed blood clot and her head & bill was facing downwards against her tummy with her feet curled up in the air. On closer examination I found her bill was crossbilled. I am glad I checked else I would have blamed myself. Now looking for a day old chick to keep 'Tumble Floof' company. Again, I want to thank everyone for your support and advice. Much appreciated when times don't go quite to plan.

I'm sorry that it didnt work out for her, and i hope your find a new fluff ball for your healthy chick soon. I'm glad you had the courage to do the eggtopsy....it is often gruesome...but helpful for understanding. You did all you could and the experience is always useful!

 

[Mvan42]

Aww sorry

 

[Rosy Starling]

I'm sorry that it didnt work out for her, and i hope your find a new fluff ball for your healthy chick soon. I'm glad you had the courage to do the eggtopsy....it is often gruesome...but helpful for understanding. You did all you could and the experience is always useful!

Thanks so much CuddleNest, yes, it was a little daunting but somewhere I read that it is a good thing to do. It makes for better understanding from which we then hopefully learn. However, it also helped me, by explaining why it had not internally pipped (even tho I thought it had) and that it probably would not have survived anyway with the crossed beak had it managed to hatch successfully. For this I drew some comfort. Today we collect 2 little friends for the Floofer